Category: Presentations and Talks

Maggie Topping, senior vice president of Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation and the Barton School of Business fall 2025 J. Robert Young Executive-in-Residence, will lead a keynote fireside chat alongside Luke Pankey, chief information officer at Textron Aviation, as part of the James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series.

Their presentation, “Driving Innovation Forward: Textron Aviation’s Balanced Approach to AI, Talent, and the Transformation of Work,” will explore how the company is navigating workforce, technology and organizational change at a global scale.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 in 110 Woolsey Hall, Frank A. Boettger Auditorium.

Doors open at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP at wichita.edu/executive-in-residence-keynote.

In this talk sponsored by the Ulrich Museum, Dr. Emmanuel Ortega, from the University of Illinois-Chicago, will provide an art historical overview of artist Justin Favela’s career at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 in 210 McKnight Art Center, highlighting the key moments that led to the creation of the installation currently on display: “Everything Must Go! Justin Favela’s Close Out, Blow Out, Re-Grand Opening.”

As Favela’s longtime friend and collaborator, Ortega brings a deep understanding of the artist’s work and offers unique insights into the hidden layers of meaning within the artist’s paper-based sculptures and installations. Everyone is welcome.

Join the Department of History for an evening with renowned historian Dr. Scott Ellsworth of the University of Michigan at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 in 211 Hubbard Hall. He will discuss his powerful new book, “Midnight on the Potomac,” which uncovers a myth-shattering account of the Civil War’s final year, the Lincoln assassination and the nation’s fragile rebirth.

Discover the untold stories of those who navigated this critical moment in American history.

Book information:

• Purchase at the event: A limited number of copies will be available.
• Purchase online: Get your copy from Watermark Books and Café at this link: “Midnight on the Potomac“

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

All are welcome to join an exciting guest lecture by volcanologist Dr. Gary S. Michelfelder, Roy Blunt Life Sciences Endowed Professor at Missouri State University, at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in 101 Geology Building.

Michelfelder will present “Zircon Petrochronology Informs Pre-Eruptive Magma Evolution at Uturuncu Volcano, Bolivia Andes,” offering a fascinating look at how zircon crystals can reveal processes occurring inside of a magma chamber during the lead-up to past eruptions at the “zombie volcano” Uturuncu.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research in volcanic processes and magma evolution from a leading expert in the field.

The Department of Biological Sciences’ fall 2025 Seminar Series continues Monday, Sept. 8. The seminar is from 4 to 5 p.m. in 218 Hubbard Hall with Dr. Stephanie Manka, Fancy Scientist, LLC. She will give a public lecture titled, “Science, Shifts, and Self-Discovery: Finding and following your unique career path.”

Seminars are open to the public and undergraduates are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit wichita.edu/biology.

The Center for Management Development (CMD) and Executive Education at Wichita State’s Barton School of Business is continuing its Executive Education Series for industry leaders and executives.

The next program will feature Dr. Mark Esposito, an internationally recognized authority on artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. His session, “Leading with AI: Mastering AI-Driven Strategy for Market Leadership,” will take place from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Oct. 2 at Woolsey Hall.

“The world of leadership is changing rapidly with the rise of artificial intelligence,” said Dr. Esposito. “I’m excited to share the opportunities AI can provide for leaders who are willing to embrace it and activate it for themselves and their companies.”

For more information about the Executive Education Series, including details on the October 2 event with Dr. Mark Esposito, visit cmd.wichita.edu/ExecED.

Michael Horn, bestselling author of “Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career,” will present a dynamic keynote as part of the Barton School of Business’ fall 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series, “The New Career Playbook: Mastering Job Moves in a Changing World.”

Horn’s talk will share fresh insights on navigating career transitions, identifying opportunities and taking ownership of personal and professional growth.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in Woolsey Hall, followed by a networking session.

Doors open at 9 a.m. After the keynote, there will be networking and book signing in the atrium. The first 75 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of “Job Moves.” This free event is open to the public. RSVP at wichita.edu/new-career-playbook.

Michael Horn, bestselling author of “Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career,” will present a dynamic keynote as part of the Barton School of Business’ fall 2025 James Schwartz Distinguished Speaker Series, “The New Career Playbook: Mastering Job Moves in a Changing World.”

Horn’s talk will share fresh insights on navigating career transitions, identifying opportunities and taking ownership of personal and professional growth.

The keynote event is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in Woolsey Hall, followed by a networking session.

Doors open at 9 a.m. After the keynote, there will be networking and book signing in the atrium. The first 75 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of “Job Moves.” This free event is open to the public. RSVP at wichita.edu/new-career-playbook.

Join the physics seminar 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 in 127 Jabara Hall. The seminar features Tyler Nolan, recipient of the Hall-Schneider fellowship, who will present a talk titled, “Neutron Detection with GAGG Crystals Using Double Pulse Methods”

The seminar series brings several speakers to WSU each semester and is funded by the Eddy and April Lucas Fund, Wichita.

Are you pursuing or managing DoD SBIR/STTR contracts? Understanding DFARS clauses is critical for compliance and long-term success.

Join Strategic Initiatives for DFARS Essentials, a webinar designed to give your team the knowledge and confidence to navigate the most important DFARS requirements, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 9.

• Key DFARS clauses every contractor must know
• Practical insights to avoid compliance pitfalls
• Live Q&A (30 minutes) with experts to address your specific questions
• Short break to keep the session engaging and focused

Registration is required.